Gekko's Essays - Begun in 1886, "Gekko's Essays" (Zuihitsu) is a wonderful series encompassing a wide range of subjects. Gekko depicts figures from history and mythology, including famous beauties, poets, scholars, and warriors, along with a few supernatural creatures. These handsome designs are rendered in Gekko's distinctive painterly style, with soft washes of color and flowing calligraphic line work, expertly printed by Matsuki Heikichi to capture these qualities. The series was completed by 1887, but woodblocks are found with dates up to 1899, proving the popularity of the designs, which continued to be printed. A great choice to collect or display.

Hunting Tigers - Dramatic design of a warrior perched on a rocky outcropping, staring down over a ledge at a tiger below. Dressed in armor, the samurai leans forward carefully, watching as the tiger roars back at him. A full moon can barely be seen in the sky, and a river flows through the background. A great image, beautifully detailed with burnishing on the armor, embossing around the moon, and soft shading in the landscape.

Artist - Gekko (1859 - 1920)

Image Size - 12 7/8" x 8 5/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with good color and detail as shown. Small loss at edge, repaired. A few light creases and spots. Please see photos for details.